About Rod

I’m a professional journalist who has covered military issues for more than 25 years.

I was San Antonio bureau chief for Air Force Times newspaper from July 2000 through March 2007. Prior to that, I reported for the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat (1992-2000) and was a freelance writer/photographer (1982-1992).

My active duty Army career included service in 2nd Ranger Battalion (1977-1982) and 3rd Infantry Division headquarters (1974-1977). I was recalled to active duty in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm and spent six months as a senior NCO at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Soon after the joining the News-Democrat, I began writing articles about Gulf War Illnesses. I also wrote some of the earliest articles on concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the anthrax vaccine and service members refusing to take it.

A number of my articles are on my personal website: militaryreporter.org.